Sydney Flames part ways with star import

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The Sydney Flames have parted ways with import point guard and WNBA player Grace Berger just one day out from their first game of the WNBL season against the Geelong Venom.

Sydney announced the "mutual release", due to an injury Berger suffered while with the Dallas Wings, on their social media pages today after speculation grew due to her absence around the team so close to season tip-off.

"Import guard Grace Berger and the Club have agreed to a mutual release after suffering an injury with the Dallas Wings that prevents her from joining the team this season," the Flames said in their club release.

"Grace will remain in the United States to focus on her recovery and we wish her all the best.

"The Club is focused on signing an import replacement immediately."

Berger just finished her second season in the WNBA, where she played for both the LA Sparks and the Wings.

The news is a significant hurdle for the Flames who were set to have one of the best backcourts in the competition with Berger, Lauren Nicholson and Shaneice Swain but instead are expected to start new recruit Mikhaela Cann at the point until a replacement is signed.

Sydney will need to find a quality replacement for Berger as they try and build on a 8-13 WNBL25 season and early exit from the playoffs series, losing to eventual champions the Bendigo Spirit 2-0 in the semi-finals.

As part of the release, the Flames announced Issy Morgan will replace Berger in the line-up while Maddy Norris has also been elevated to the active roster in place of Emma Clarke, who left Sydney during the offseason despite being on contract.